FUEL CELL USING INTEGRATED PLATE TECHNOLOGY FOR LIQUID-DISTRIBUTION Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: fuel cells assembled of plate stacks. SUBSTANCE: fuel cell batteries have stacked cells with separator/membrane-electrode assemblies where separators incorporate a number of stacked thin-sheet plates accommodating serpentine regions of individual-configuration channels for wetting reacting gases and active cooling regions. Individual plates are stacked with parts of same coordinates aligned at high precision with adjacent plates and connected to form monolithic separator. Post-connection treatment includes passivation such as nitriding. Material best suited to manufacture of plates is Ti. Parts, serpentine channels, curvatures, depressions, passages, projections, and holes are formed in this material by chemical or laser etching, cutting, embossing, or piercing of holes using combination of blind and through etching which should be preferred. Plates are manufactured in fast and continuous process. Mechanical design of parts can be rapidly changed to adapt them to a comprehensive range of heat distribution and wetting technologies by changing design of plates and using photolithography. EFFECT: improved design and facilitated manufacture of fuel cell. 20 cl, 23 dwg